Before Minglan's wedding, many ladies and madams came to congratulate her on marrying into prominence, but she didn't have a concrete sense of it at the time. She only felt that the betrothal gifts Gu Tingye sent were rather ostentatious and nouveau riche. It wasn't until the third-day bridal return, when the couple arrived at the Sheng residence and alighted from their carriage, with Changbai and Changwu welcoming them at the gate, that she truly understood. Coincidentally, Molan and Rulan with their husbands also arrived at that moment.
Minglan was assisted out of the carriage by Danju. Looking at Rulan's modest sedan chair and Molan's simple single-horse carriage, then turning back to see her own conspicuously luxurious black lacquered three-horse carriage with its stone-blue curtains and silver-chilong embroidered ribbons, Minglan began to feel somewhat uncomfortable.
Rulan's smile froze, her gaze turning cold. Molan also stiffened momentarily before quickly regaining her composure. Minglan couldn't help but glance at Gu Tingye - was this carriage... not exceeding regulations?
After alighting and exchanging greetings, Gu Tingye gave Liang Han a faint smile without saying anything. Yet Minglan could subtly sense that he didn't seem to like Liang Han. The group filed into the residence, with the newlyweds naturally heading first to the Longevity and Peace Hall to pay respects to Old Madam.
Old Madam sat upright in the seat of honor as Minglan and Gu Tingye knelt on the prayer mats to bow. Though only a few days had passed, Old Madam acted as if she hadn't seen Minglan for half a lifetime, holding her hand and examining her closely. The more she looked, the darker her expression grew.
In just two days, Minglan appeared as if she had shed a layer of skin. Dark circles under her eyes resembled smudged deep blue eyeliner, barely concealed by light makeup. She looked weary and listless, yet between her brows and eyes emanated a certain charm. Looking at Gu Tingye beside her, he appeared refreshed and relaxed, his eyes revealing a subtle satisfaction.
Old Madam felt a surge of emotion - heartache mixed with displeasure, yet she couldn't say anything. Instead, she directed knife-sharp glances at Gu Tingye, scraping him over mentally several times. Gu Tingye remained composed as ever, appearing calm and unperturbed as if completely unaware.
After suppressing her anger several times internally, Old Madam finally said: "Go quickly and kowtow to your parents. They've been thinking of you."
Reluctant to leave Old Madam, Minglan leaned into her embrace and whispered: "After kowtowing I'll come back to have a proper talk with you."
Old Madam nodded with a smile, watching the young couple depart. However, her expression changed almost immediately. She signaled to Mama Fang, who understood and turned to leave, going straight to find Cui Mama for questioning.
Cui Mama had always been detached and non-confrontational throughout her life, never gossiping or picking fights in decades. This was likely the first time she had such a strong desire to complain in her life. Before Mama Fang could come asking, she was already waiting in the veranda of the Longevity and Peace Hall's side wing.
"Newlyweds being affectionate is normal, but not like him!... Regardless of whether people are around or not, whenever he sees the young lady, he's like a wolf from the mountain hollows - his eyes practically glowing green! The moment no one's watching, he gets handsy, fooling around day and night!" Cui Mama lightly slapped the table, gritting her teeth. "The young lady's body has just matured! How could... this be?!"
Mama Fang listened dumbfounded, her expression somewhat awkward. If she didn't know Cui Mama's character to be taciturn and straightforward, she might not have believed it: "The sixth young master is already this age, yet he acts like a reckless youth. In his chambers... could there really be no one else?"Speaking of this, Cui Mama finally calmed down somewhat: "Poor young lady hasn't had time to manage household affairs these past few days. However, I went around asking and found out that the young master originally had one concubine and one bedroom servant who were left behind at the Ningyuan Marquis Household, said to be brought over later. The sixth young master is extremely busy, handling official duties outside all day and rarely returns to the residence. Therefore, the household remains relatively quiet, with only a woman called 'Fengxian' living in the side courtyard. I heard she was sent by some general. I haven't seen her myself, and I've heard the young master... hasn't paid her much attention."
Hearing this, Mama Fang didn't know whether to feel happy or worried. After a long pause: "It's good that the young master dotes on our young lady, but..." She didn't know how to phrase it and could only say, "We should still report this to Old Madam."
...
Old Mrs. Sheng had always preferred quiet and never liked having numerous relatives gathering noisily in the Longevity and Peace Hall. Therefore, all the relatives were waiting in Madam Wang's main courtyard for tea. Gu Tingye and Minglan went straight into the main hall, where they saw Kang Yima and her husband, Yun'er, Molan, Rulan, the heavily pregnant Hai Shi, along with Changwu, Changbai, Changfeng, Changdong, Liang Han, Wen Yanjing, Yuanwenshao - all gathered there.
After exchanging greetings, Minglan and Gu Tingye first entered the eastern side chamber. Sheng Hong and Madam Wang were sitting on the kang bed by the window, accepting their kneeling bows with smiles.
Madam Wang looked at Gu Tingye with a beaming smile and said, "Has our Minglan caused you any trouble, General?"
Hearing this, Sheng Hong beside her stiffened slightly. He truly admired his wife - except for Hualan, for the other three daughters' third-day return visits, Madam Wang had used the exact same opening line for all of them.
The only difference was: when speaking to Liang Han, she raised her eyebrows and snorted with the tone of someone collecting a debt: "Has our Molan caused you any trouble?" When speaking to Wen Yanjing, her eyes burned with intense expectation, using a gentle yet authoritative tone: "Has our Rulan caused you any trouble?" Finally, when speaking to Gu Tingye, she was half-ingratiating, half-reverent, with a soft tone.
Sheng Hong was speechless. Fortunately, Minglan was his last daughter, so this would be the last time he would hear these words. Thank heavens.
Gu Tingye's response was quite tactful: "Minglan is well-mannered, sensible, gentle, elegant, and respectful. Everyone in the household, young and old, is extremely fond of her."
Minglan lowered her head and rolled her eyes. Privately, she thought her most brilliant performances these past two days had all been in bed.
"...Seeing you all establishing your own families puts my mind at ease." Sheng Hong stroked his beard and smiled at Gu Tingye. "If her mother and I are no longer in the capital in the future, you'll need to take extra care of Minglan."
"Father... are you being assigned outside the capital?" Minglan's heart stirred as she asked softly.
Sheng Hong looked at Minglan with satisfaction. He had to admit this daughter of his was truly clever - understanding the meaning behind his words. He smiled and said, "Your eldest brother has completed his term as a Hanlin compiler. News came a few days ago that he'll either be appointed as a lecturer or enter one of the six offices as a supervising secretary for experience. Having father and son serving in the same court requires much avoidance of suspicion, so it's better for this old father to step aside, haha..."
Although he was speaking to Minglan, his eyes were fixed on Gu Tingye. Gu Tingye understood perfectly and after a moment of contemplation said, "Father-in-law's consideration is quite right. The Hanlin Academy is prestigious - lecturing on classics and history, drafting important documents. The six offices' supervising secretaries are more practical - copying and issuing memorials, investigating errors and violations. Both are positions of low rank but significant authority. Brother Zecheng is prudent and diligent - he will surely excel in either position."Sheng Hong had been waiting for these very words. Upon hearing them, his expression grew even more amiable, and he engaged Gu Tingye in further conversation.
Minglan understood Old Master Sheng's intentions. If the Sheng family could produce a Grand Secretary, their status would multiply a hundredfold. From what she knew, there were roughly two paths to entering the Grand Secretariat: one was to enter the Hanlin Academy as a Jinshi scholar, gradually accumulating seniority from serving as a lecturer or reader for the emperor until becoming a Grand Academician and joining the Grand Secretariat; the other was to complete one's term as a Hanlin Bachelor, then serve with distinction in one of the Six Ministries or Six Offices, steadily climbing the ranks—possibly including one or two postings outside the capital for experience—until reaching the position of Vice Minister or Minister, after which one might enter the Grand Secretariat.
Changbai was reserved and cautious by nature. Originally, his immediate superiors, the Grand Academicians, were all disciples of the Hai family, and with their patronage, his rise would have been assured. But who could have predicted that nearly all of them would fall during the 'Shenchen Upheaval'? Thus, Sheng Hong needed Gu Tingye to show some indication of support. The current emperor was strong-willed, and Changbai, with his impeccable background and legitimate scholarly path, would fare well even without connections in the Grand Secretariat—so long as the emperor kept him in mind.
Minglan silently reflected: This is the power of family! Through continuous marriages, alliances are formed. Among the ancient nobility, no bond of influence was more direct or potent than blood and marital ties. It might sound vulgar and laughable, but it was the truth.
Ancient rites and laws were based on the clan unit, emphasizing that merit should not be avoided among relatives. This was because one person's mistake could implicate three generations of the family, or even nine in broader cases. With particularly eccentric emperors, even one's teachers and students—the tenth clan—might become collateral damage. Since they were destined to share misfortune, it was only natural they should share prosperity. Therefore, as long as relatives weren't utterly worthless or had some talent, helping them was helping oneself. Mutual support and assistance ensured the family's continuity and enduring prosperity.
A significant reason for the downfall of the Jia, Shi, Wang, and Xue families was that from the third generation onward, none had worthy successors. The Jia family at least had an Imperial Consort daughter; the Wang family had Wang Ziteng, who rose to the position of Nine Provinces Military Inspector. The only scholarly one, Jia Zhu, died young. As for the rest? Jia She, who ruined families over a few fans? Xue Pan, who beat someone to death? Jia Baoyu, who dallied with a prince's male favorite? When it came to causing trouble, they were each more capable than the last.
A family without successors was doomed to decline and fall—it was only a matter of time.
Minglan understood this, so she remained quiet. Madam Wang, however, was somewhat bored and didn't quite grasp the subtleties. She had intended to put on her matriarchal airs and reprimand Minglan in front of their illustrious son-in-law, but Sheng Hong had seized the conversation, moving from the fate of the nation to the future of the people without leaving her an opening.
Fortunately, before long, the crowd waiting in the main hall surged in. Yuanwenshao, Changwu, and others entered cheerfully, clamoring that the food and wine were getting cold. Seeing that he had spoken enough, Sheng Hong smiled and followed them out to drink.
Minglan was pulled by the female relatives to dine in the inner hall. The maids set up a round black-lacquered table with Ruyi motifs, seating seven or eight people. Once the dishes were served, everyone sat around, eating and chatting merrily. Madam Wang drew Minglan to sit beside her.
All the women present were married. Glancing at Minglan's demeanor, they each had their own understanding—some envious, some resentful, some relieved—each lost in their own deep thoughts.Molán stared fixedly at Minglan, taking in her magnificent attire: a grand crimson silk gown woven with golden phoenix and cloud patterns, wide sleeves adorned with intricate designs, over which she wore a gossamer-thin golden embroidered phoenix mantle. Her hair was styled in an upward-facing ruyi bun, pinned with a magnificent purple-gold hairpiece featuring five phoenixes soaring toward the sun, adorned with dangling pearls. Her ears were graced with tasseled crimson-gold earrings, and the thumb-sized rubies sparkled so brightly they dazzled the eyes. Just before leaving, Gu Tingye had slipped six or seven gold and gemstone rings onto Minglan's fingers, making her almost too embarrassed to extend her hands.
This ensemble was not only luxurious and imposing but also reserved exclusively for noblewomen of high rank. Molán felt deeply uncomfortable inside, yet she forced a cheerful expression and repeatedly tried to engage Minglan in conversation.
Suppressing her dizziness, Minglan picked up her wine cup and turned to face Madam Wang. In a clear and sincere voice, she said, "This first cup of wine, I offer to you, Madam. When I was young and frail, if not for your and eldest sister's diligent care, I fear this little life of mine would have been lost long ago! Minglan thanks you deeply!" With that, she raised her cup and drank it all in one go. At least the part about Hualan was true.
Madam Wang's eyes instantly welled up with tears. She downed her wine in one gulp, grasped Minglan's hand with genuine emotion, and rambled, "Silly child, on such a joyous occasion, why speak such nonsense! Among family, what need is there for thanks... You've always been obedient and sensible since childhood, more worry-free than your elder sisters. How could I not cherish you?!" Carried away by the moment, she even began to believe her own words.
Molán's face turned pale, and she lowered her head in silence. Minglan glanced sideways at her and noticed that Molán was dressed with extreme solemnity and refinement. Lightly powdered and rouged, her hair neatly styled, even her earrings were strictly circular and motionless—the very picture of a proper, dignified wife. Yet, she could not conceal the weariness and tension at the corners of her eyes, and a deep furrow of worry was gradually forming between her brows.
Minglan sighed softly to herself. She had no intention of settling old scores; she merely hoped Molán would understand her place and not overstep by making brazen requests as if she were an insider. This was merely a preemptive measure.
Watching the harmonious mother-daughter scene, Kang Yima felt a twinge of envy. "Ming Yatou has truly made something of herself now. I suppose the family will have to rely on you in many ways from now on. You must remember the kindness your mother has shown you and not forget your roots!" Half of her dowry had been squandered by her husband's concubines and their children. She had initially intended to arrange mediocre marriages for them, but the Kang Family, clinging to their noble status, insisted on putting on airs despite their poverty.
Minglan curled the corners of her lips into a faint smile but did not respond. Rulan, however, was displeased. Being straightforward by nature, she had come to regard Kang Yima as a despicable person ever since Kang Zhaor married into the Wang Family. If not for Yun'er's sake, she would have already uttered harsh words like, "What business does the Kang Family have meddling in the Sheng daughters' return? Coming uninvited just to freeload meals."
"Aunt, you are absolutely right! Sixth Sister, you must remember—those who are good to you deserve repayment. Even if you cannot repay them, you must never return kindness with ingratitude!" Rulan, dressed in a striking silver-red water-silk embroidered jacket trimmed with pink velvet, looked particularly radiant. Her rosy cheeks and healthy glow clearly indicated that her married life was going well.Kang Yima looked extremely uncomfortable, lowering her head to drink. Yun’er, who knew the whole story, felt deeply apologetic for her mother’s actions. Changwu had treated her exceptionally well over the years and had continuously supported the Kang Family. Moreover, her own marital family was on the closest of terms with Sheng Hong’s household. She had no desire to invite dislike and only wished her mother would speak less.
While quietly apologizing to Rulan and repeatedly serving Madam Wang dishes, Yun’er tried to ease the tension. Minglan watched this with an inward sigh.
Hai Shi, noticing the awkward atmosphere, stepped in to lighten the mood: “A few days ago, Mother visited Elder Sister at the Yuan family and said her belly is even larger than mine, even though she’s fewer months along. Could it be there are two inside? Elder Sister often complains of stomach pains—perhaps it’s two strong little boys practicing their kicks and punches in there!”
At this, all the women laughed. Madam Wang was especially delighted, drinking several cups in her excitement until her speech grew slurred from the wine. After two rounds of drinks, a maid entered and whispered something in Minglan’s ear.
Minglan rose and announced cheerfully to the group, “Old Madam likely has some advice for me. I’ll take my leave now.”
Madam Wang was already quite muddled, but Hai Shi smiled and said, “Go ahead. Old Madam surely has much to discuss with you.”
Minglan bid farewell with a smile and followed the maid out. Once outside, she quickened her pace, heading straight for Longevity and Peace Hall. As soon as she entered the gate and turned into the left chamber, she found a table set with dishes, and Old Madam waiting by the window.
Touched, Minglan bounded over playfully, clinging to her arm and swaying coquettishly. “Grandmother and I share a heart! I knew you’d be waiting for me, so I came on an empty stomach!” Old Madam couldn’t maintain her stern expression and scolded affectionately, “It’s all because of you, you little monkey! Waiting for you has made me hungry!” Minglan snuggled into her embrace, offering, “Let me rub your stomach for you!”
Old Madam pinched Minglan’s cheek. “What’s the use of rubbing an empty belly? Won’t that just make the hunger pains worse?!” Minglan guided her to the table and personally served her a full bowl of winter melon and pork rib soup with mushrooms. “Please eat, please eat!”
Mama Fang watched with moist eyes and remarked, “It’s been so long since Old Madam has been this happy!”
“What do you mean, ‘so long’?!” Old Madam retorted, turning to glare. “It’s only been two days!”
Minglan cupped her own face, feigning poignant sorrow. “Each day apart feels like three autumns! Ah, so many autumns have passed—Grandmother must have missed me so much she’s lovesick! What can we do? It’s not my fault I’m so utterly adorable!”
Old Madam finally broke down, nearly laughing to tears. “You shameless thing, always singing your own praises! Have you no shame?”
Minglan tilted her head, offering her lovely face with a grin. “None! You can have it!”
Old Madam laughed, patting Minglan until they both collapsed in mirth.
Throughout the meal, Old Madam listened as Minglan chattered animatedly about the Gu family, alternating between storytelling and laughter. Minglan’s heart ached, knowing she might not see Old Madam often after this day, so she deliberately painted a rosy picture, vividly describing her newlywed life as amusing and delightful, as if the Gu household were a paradise of happiness.
Old Madam listened with a gentle smile. After the meal, Mama Fang instructed the maids to clear the table and dishes, then closed the door and left."I have something to ask you. Sit properly!" Old Madam's expression turned serious. Having lived with her for many years, Minglan knew she was about to discuss serious matters. She quickly handed over a teacup and sat obediently, awaiting instruction.
Seeing the weariness hidden beneath Minglan's forced smile, Old Madam felt conflicted. Ever since hearing Cui Mama's words relayed by Mama Fang, she had been greatly troubled. Such private marital matters weren't appropriate for others to inquire about - it was best to pretend not to see even if one did. After much internal deliberation, Old Madam finally spoke: "Does he... treat you well?"
Minglan struggled to keep her thoughts from straying, her cheeks flushing as she whispered: "Quite well." Which aspect are you asking about?
Old Madam opened and closed her mouth, unsure how to proceed, then abruptly changed the subject: "Who manages affairs in your household now?"
Minglan hesitated: "Well... this, your granddaughter isn't quite clear."
Old Madam's gaze held reproach. After some thought, she sighed and continued gently: "How are the buildings and gardens in your residence? I heard it originally belonged to a senior minister of the Late Emperor and had been abandoned for nearly ten years. Does it need repairs?"
Minglan looked completely blank: "Hmm... I don't know that either." She had barely left her bedroom and wasn't even clear what the mansion looked like.
Old Madam's eyes widened slightly, her face darkening again as she pressed urgently: "Then how much fixed property does your household currently possess?" Spending all day with your husband, you must at least talk about something!
Minglan squirmed uncomfortably: "This... your granddaughter doesn't know that either." Not much talking was needed in bed - it was either sleeping or exercising.
Faced with three questions yielding no answers, Old Madam looked heavenward speechlessly, staring blankly at her young granddaughter. She had cultivated someone accomplished in every skill, yet in the end none of it proved useful. This new son-in-law only required the most basic technical abilities.
Overwhelmed with shame, Minglan thought frantically for a long moment before mumbling: "Grandmother, don't worry. Actually, he really does treat me quite well."
Old Madam felt utterly drained, releasing only a long sigh.
"...Grandmother, Minglan understands your meaning. Minglan will be careful." Minglan knew Old Madam was worried about her. Actually, she was aware her situation was quite troublesome. It wasn't that she didn't want to strive, but these past two days she simply hadn't had the opportunity.
"Enough. Tell me, has your husband encountered any dissatisfaction these past two days?" Old Madam stopped sighing and asked instead.
Dissatisfaction? Minglan felt he was dissatisfied everywhere - a difficult stepmother, a half-dead elder brother, a house full of extreme relatives. After some thought, she suddenly said softly: "Grandmother, in my opinion, he... seems to want to inherit the Marquis of Ningyuan title." Gu Tingyu was critically ill - how long he could live was questionable, and it was impossible for him to produce a son now.
"Oh?" Old Madam became interested, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "What makes you say that?"
Minglan brought a bowl of tea to Old Madam, carefully choosing her words: "Only after seeing it with my own eyes did your granddaughter realize his discord with the Gu family isn't ordinary - one could almost call it 'disgust'. With so many places in the capital, if he truly wanted to cut ties completely with the Gu family and reduce contact, why live so close? Couldn't the emperor have bestowed any other residence?"
Old Madam nodded, accepting the teacup and gently skimming the tea foam with the lid: "Reasonable."Minglan sat beside Old Madam and slightly furrowed her brows: "Your granddaughter doesn't understand this point; I heard earlier this year that His Majesty intended to let him inherit the title, and even summoned the Marquis of Xiangyang repeatedly. Why would he...?"
Though her words were unfinished, Old Madam already understood. She smiled gently and said: "You mean, if he truly wished to inherit the title, wouldn't the Marquis of Xiangyang's household be more ideal? It offers abundant wealth and would allow him to break free from those disgraceful people. Is that what you mean?"
Minglan nodded. Actually, what she truly disliked was dealing with those dreadful relatives.
"You're still young after all, and don't fully grasp the complexities involved." Old Madam chuckled softly, patting her hand kindly. "Think about it - when having someone above pressing down on you, which would be easier to handle: a stepmother, or a legally appointed adoptive mother bound by strict ceremonial rules?"
Suddenly, understanding dawned upon Minglan.
Old Madam's eyes held a flicker of inscrutable meaning as she smiled and said, "Your husband is originally the legitimate second son of the old Marquis of Ningyuan. With his elder brother having no heirs, it is only natural for him to inherit the title. He doesn't owe anyone any favors—all it takes is a push from the emperor. Although the Xiangyang Marquis Household is prominent and influential now while the Ningyuan Marquis Household appears desolate and declining, one shouldn't judge things solely by appearances. It may seem convenient now, but there will be plenty of troubles in the future."
Minglan was greatly enlightened and suddenly understood. Since Lady Qin was a stepmother, not only Gu Tingye but even she herself only needed to maintain proper decorum toward her, as their true mother-in-law was the deceased Lady Bai. However, if Gu Tingye were to inherit the title of the Marquis of Xiangyang, he would be an outsider entering the main lineage. In that case, he would have to treat the elderly lady of the Xiangyang Marquis Household and all his clansmen with generosity and care. Otherwise, he would be criticized as 'ungrateful,' leading to endless troubles.
Old Madam slowly leaned back, comfortably reclining on the kang, and said leisurely, "Your husband, I'm afraid, is a man of unruly temperament who despises being controlled in his life." This classic remark from Old Madam made Minglan nod vigorously—it was absolutely true.
Old Madam glanced at her and suddenly added, "With a man of such temperament, remember this: first, do not confront him head-on... Haha, but then again, you wouldn't be able to overpower him anyway!" Minglan sighed with a bitter smile. Old Madam continued, "Also, judging by his actions, he seems to be a clear-sighted man who tolerates no nonsense. If you want something, speak directly to him. Don’t resort to duplicity or pretend to be 'virtuous' while hiding your true intentions, or it will create a rift between you as husband and wife!"
Minglan lowered her eyelids and nodded—Cui Mama, you delivered the message quickly.
Seeing Minglan's expression, Old Madam knew she hadn’t fully grasped the meaning and decided to spell it out plainly. Staring at Minglan, she said sternly, "That thing called 'virtue' is nothing but a clay Bodhisattva or Confucius’s memorial tablet—just pay lip service to it. If you truly act upon it, you’ll regret it for the rest of your life!... Remember, your husband is your support for at least half your life! Even if you don’t like him, you must hold onto him! Don’t give other women an opening! Don’t put on some aloof, pretentious airs. Even if your husband has no wandering thoughts, it’s up to you to keep him in check!" She seemed to have spoken too hastily and paused to catch her breath, her lips curling bitterly before adding, "Don’t follow in my footsteps."
Tears welled up in Minglan’s eyes, and she leaned forward to sob on Old Madam’s lap. She had long known that much of Old Madam’s guidance was an attempt to make up for the regrets of her own past. Her hopes for Minglan’s happiness were, in a way, a projection of her own unfulfilled desires.
Gently stroking Old Madam’s aged and wrinkled hand, Minglan said softly, "Back when Zhuang Xiansheng taught history, I loved the chapter 'Han Bai' from the History of Former Jin the most. General Han defended a lone city with a thousand soldiers against tens of thousands of enemy troops. Everyone urged him to surrender, but he firmly refused. As defeat seemed imminent and the city was about to fall, he held his sword to his neck and declared, 'Man proposes, Heaven disposes. Without a plan, one cannot even gamble with one’s life.' Before his words faded, a mountain flood broke out at the enemy’s position, drowning more than half of their forces and resolving the crisis."Minglan's voice gradually grew clear and distinct as she enunciated each word: "Your granddaughter will remember Grandmother's teachings and live her life with diligence. Whether in favorable or adverse circumstances, I shall never be frivolous, never arrogant, never domineering, never negligent. I will neither blame heaven nor others, nor will I lightly abandon my efforts. Who knows? Perhaps heaven will show mercy, and your granddaughter may eventually... witness spring's warmth and flowers blooming."
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【Author's Note】
Regarding the rise and fall of ancient families, there are many old sayings, such as "wealth never survives three generations" and "the influence of a noble family ends after five generations." However, looking comprehensively, literate families generally maintained their prosperity for longer periods.
A classic example is the Fan Zhongyan family, which remained prominent for eight hundred years from the Northern Song Dynasty to the early Republic of China. Essentially, all families that remained illustrious for centuries followed the Fan family model: establishing clan schools, setting up communal clan properties, cultivating clan members, and supporting each other in succession.
The Chen family of Haining particularly excelled in implementing this model.
'For generations they wore official headpieces, their imperial examination achievements unmatched throughout the land. Over three centuries, they produced over two hundred jinshi (imperial scholars), with three serving as prime ministers. Eleven others held positions as ministers, vice-ministers, provincial governors, or administration commissioners - truly extraordinary.'
Fundamentally, the Four Great Families from Dream of the Red Chamber were imperial in-law bureaucratic cliques. Compared to scholarly families, they inherently lacked integrity and clarity in their foundational principles, not to mention being vastly inferior in disciplining clan members' conduct.
Had Xue Pan or Jia She been born into families like the Chens, they would likely have been either beaten to death or expelled from the clan very quickly - though perhaps they might have reformed promptly under such circumstances.
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